the magazine of texas lutheran university december 2011...

THE MAGAZINE of TExAs LuTHErAN uNIvErsITy • DECEMBEr 2011

TORCHBuilding Tradition

Front Row with Verne Lundquist and Scott Hamilton

Scott Hamilton's inspirational story

Alumni EventsYou're invited!

A Family Legacy Lives OnFamily tradition of TLU alumni

2 Texas LuTheran universiTy

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Witnessing transformationBeing a university president can be a demanding job, without question. Living on a college campus, however, has its compensations. An important part of the job description, especially at a small college, is visibly supporting students by showing up at campus events. That can be a scheduling challenge, because so much is happening at Texas Lutheran University. This past week is a fairly typical example, and gives you a flavor of our students' energy and diversity of talents. On Wednesday evening, Michelle and I attended an impressive concert by our jazz orchestra. I am a big fan of big band jazz, so that was especially fun for me. The next night we were part of a standing room only audience that turned out for “The Physics of Football,” featuring University of Nebraska physicist and Cornhusker fan Dr. Timothy Gay. The TLU physics department sponsored a highly entertaining lecture that brought over a hundred high school students to campus. On Friday, nationally recognized portfolio manager Don Yacktman offered his insights to successful investing at a seminar with business students and faculty. Thanks to alumnus Dave Sather for bringing someone of his caliber to campus. Saturday afternoon was the Bulldogs’ final football game, and Senior Day. While we didn’t win the game, the good news is that the Bulldogs finished the season at 5-5, and we lose only a handful of seniors. After representing TLU at Triumphant Lutheran Church in Garden Ridge on Sunday, Michelle and I arrived back on campus in time to enjoy the fall student theatre performance, Metamorphoses, directed by Professor David Legore. Tonight we will be attending a junior voice recital.

While I have been a president for several years, I still am impressed with how students take notice when we are in the audience. They appreciate that this is one of the differences of attending a small college. Little do they know that the arts, sports and lectures are the most fun part of my job! Who wouldn’t prefer to go to an art show opening or volleyball match to sitting in yet another meeting? Witnessing students perform and compete also makes me a better president, reminding me on a daily basis what we are working for and why TLU matters. It is a lot easier to talk about transforming student lives when you are able to witness it every day.

One also cannot help but be impressed by the support that students show for each other at TLU. Student turnout for co-curricular events on this campus is the most enthusiastic that I have witnessed, and that is part of the positive student spirit here.

Now that Homecoming and the Presidential Installation are in the rearview mirror we are looking ahead to Christmas Vespers. This program is one of the great traditions at Texas Lutheran, and we are looking forward to our first Vespers. We have heard enough of the talents of our orchestral and choral programs to know that it is certain to be a moving and inspiring experience. And speaking of student talents and Christmas, our annual electronic Christmas card this year features the art of senior art major Canaan Hoffman and a musical arrangement and performance by senior music performance major Kenneth Mittelstadt. I hope you enjoyed it.

At Texas Lutheran University, I am glad to say that it still is called Christmas Vespers. As this issue of the Torch reaches you, the season of Advent is well upon us and Michelle and I are pleased to wish you and your family a joyous celebration of the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,

Stuart Dorsey

TLU President

TORCH • DeCeMBer 2011 3

Torch is published three times annually in September, December and March by the Texas Lutheran University Marketing office. Inquiries and submissions should be directed to the editorial staff at [email protected]. AlumNotes submissions and change of address may be sent to the Alumni Relations office at [email protected].

Sarah Story

Jenni M. Loer

Beth Beck-Dietert

Tim ClarkDerrick CollinsSam EhrlichRenee Rehfeld

Danny BatistaAmy GawlikTerry PriceJudy Samford

Publisher

Editor

Editorial Assistant

Contributing Writers

Contributing Artists

FEATURES4 Front Row with Verne Lundquist and Scott

Hamilton—A Night to be Inspired Get to know Scott Hamilton in preparation for Front Row 2012.

7 Community Computer Classes Build Skills Beyond Technology Information Systems students participate in service learning.

8 A Family Legacy Lives On How TLU is a family tradition.

10 Networking for the Social Network An alumna's inside take on landing a job at Facebook.

11 Teaching and TechnologyA sneak peek into the classroom of the future.

16 Bulldog Campus CommunicationsQ&A with Robin Bisha.

DEPARTMENTS2 Letter from the President

4 TLU Today Feature articles

12 Growing & Giving From the development office

14 Scoreboard TLU sports

16 Flame Q & A Person of interest interview

17 Lucky’s Pack TLU point of view

20 AlumNotes

26 Flashback Blast from the past photo

27 Save the Date Events calendar

THE MAGAZINE of TExAs LuTHErAN uNIvErsITy • DECEMBEr 2011

TOrCh

On the cover: Construction of the new freshman dorm. Photos by Amy Gawlik.

Check out the online edition and special features at tlu.edu/torch.

Taylor CarletonDirector of Alumni Relations

Nancy HershfieldVP for Development & Alumni Relations

Jenni M. LoerMarketing Communications Specialist

Terry PriceAssoc. Prof. of Dramatic Media &Director of Emerging Media

Sarah StoryAsst. VP for Marketing Communications

Editorial Board

THE MAGAZINE OF TExAs LuTHERAN uNIvERsITy • DECEMBER 2011 • vOL. 36, NO. 2

mailto:[email protected]



An Olympic Gold Medalist, entertainer, and cancer survivor, Hamilton shares tales from

his own journey as a celebrity, Christian, husband, and cancer patient to illustrate the principles that have shaped his life.

Front Row with Verne Lundquist and Scott Hamilton

A Night to be Inspired


“Scott Hamilton lives his life as a champion,” says fellow Olympic Gold Medalist Kristi Yamagugchi.

From Olympic Gold Medalist to World Champion to cancer survivor, Scott Hamilton has experienced the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows, but he’s always faced life’s trials and tribulations with honesty, a sense of humor, a strong faith, and most importantly, eternal optimism.

After marrying his wife Tracie in 2002 and welcoming a son, Aidan, he faced what he described as the “biggest bummer of all”—a brain tumor in 2004.

While giving the keynote address at a conference for brain tumor survivors at a hotel in Palm Springs just a few years ago, a fellow survivor approached him and said, “Scott, you have every reason to be miserable, but you’re the happiest guy I’ve ever met. What’s your secret?” That question threw him but also inspired him to write his best-selling book, The Great Eight: How to Be Happy (Even When You Have Every Reason to be Miserable).

“Like carving a perfect figure eight, finding happiness didn’t come to me without enduring unhappy times,” says Hamilton as he references many of the life lessons he learned through figure skating—hard work, determination, perseverance and even failure.

In a phone interview from his home in Tennessee, Hamilton was reflective as he shared stories from his extensive career on and off the ice. “I was lucky to find something that I could wrap my arms around and make my own. Skating teaches you to take your failures with the level of importance they are—literally falling down and getting back up. It’s how you get up that is the most important.”

As a young boy growing up in Bowling Green, Ohio, Hamilton had a mysterious illness that prevented him from digesting his food normally and ultimately kept him from growing. After years of doctors’ visits and tests, the family physician suggested a skating class at the new rink at Bowling Green State University to

give his parents a break and “Scotty” an opportunity to interact with other kids.

“Skating made a profound impact on my life,” says Hamilton. “It put me on common ground with other athletes and ‘well kids’.” To say that Hamilton has had a successful figure skating career would be a vast understatement. With an Olympic Gold medal in the 1984 Sarajevo Games, four consecutive U.S. Championships (1981-84), and four consecutive World Championships (1981-84), Hamilton isn’t only an extremely talented skater, he’s also an entertainer—a real showman in every sense of the word.

“I always wanted to win over the guy who didn’t want to be there,” jokes Hamilton. “There is always one guy in the crowd

Scott Hamilton: Life as a Champion

1980 3rd U.S. Championships

1980 5th Olympics in Lake Placid

1981 1st U.S. Championships

1981 1st World Championships







1984 Gold Medal Winter Olympics in Sarajevo

1990 Inducted into U.S. Olypmic Hall of Fame

Hamilton skates during a Stars on Ice show in 2002. Photos courtesy Scott Hamilton.


with his arms crossed and his head tilted who is only there because his wife made him go. I thought that if I could surprise that guy, get him on his feet, and win him over, then I really did something good.”

Hamilton also understands how to play to his strengths. “I never tried to be something I wasn’t. I had to make people laugh. I knew that being a short, bald guy was a recipe for comedy.”

Today, Hamilton finds joy in his wife Tracie and two sons Aidan and Maxx more than anything else. “Of all my roles, the title of dad is truly my favorite.”

He is also dedicated to many charitable organizations and causes including his own foundation, The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative. He is now a lifetime spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute and the founder of the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative, the Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship. Through CARES, he champions the 4th Angel Mentoring Program, promotes ChemoCare.com and helps raise millions of dollars for cancer research.

Because he is the most recognized male figure skater in the world as well as a sports commentator, performer, and best-selling author, Hamilton feels fortunate to have a platform he can use to inspire others. “Your body is only capable of doing these extraordinary things for so long so you

need to enjoy it while you can. An athletic career is finite, so you need to know who you are as a human being, a citizen, and a friend. That’s what really matters.”

Hamilton recalls some great advice from his friend and country music star Brad Paisley who told him, “No matter what, you’re going to have a great run, but make it mean something. Make it mean more than notes. Allow it to mean something so you can have the full experience.”

So, when Hamilton received the call from legendary CBS sportscaster and TLU alumnus Verne Lundquist to appear in “Front Row with Verne Lundquist,” he didn’t hesitate.

“I would do anything for Verne,” says Hamilton, who has known Lundquist for

many years and credits him for “doing more for me as a broadcaster than anyone else in my career.” Hamilton has many stories to tell about Lundquist but they all share one theme—a patient, selfless professional who was willing to teach the green guys how to do the play-by-play. “Producers and directors would often put rookies with Verne because he could bring them along, nurture them, and teach them with no ego involved. They loved Verne because he can pull off a broadcast under any circumstances—even if something train wrecks.”

Hamilton recalls the first time he did a broadcast with Verne and he used too much figure skating jargon or “jump speak.” “Verne would bail me out, he would save me and say, ‘What’s a pop, Scott?’ so the audience wasn’t in the dark. Verne has a phenomenal voice that shows a great range of emotion. He knows how to tell a great story.”

On February 21, 2012, both Hamilton and Lundquist will have a lot of great stories to tell at TLU’s Front Row with Verne Lundquist and Scott Hamilton at the Westin Galleria in Houston. It will definitely be a night to remember as two amazing professionals and friends take the stage and share decades of great memories and laughs. Go to tlu.edu/frontrow for ticket information. It will be a night you won’t want to miss!

TLU TODAy

Ray Coselli ’77 and his friend Ahmed Jafferally share the CBS broadcast booth with Verne Lundquist ’61 during the live broadcast of the Alabama vs. Arkansas game on Sept. 24. Ray and Ahmed won the opportunity to attend the game through the auction at the 2011 Front Row event in Houston. They enjoyed dinner with the CBS team, time on the field before the game and sharing the broadcast booth with Verne.

For more information about the 2012 Front Row at the Westin Galleria in Houston on February 21, visit tlu.edu/frontrow.

Performing at the annual Ice Show & Gala for the Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative, the charity founded in 1999 by Scott Hamilton and Cleveland Clinic Taussing Cancer Institute, where he was treated, to promote cancer awareness while raising significant funds for cancer research. www.scottcares.org.

http://chemocare.com

http://www.scottcares.org


Community Computer Classes Build skills Beyond TechnologyThe community members participating

in TLU’s community computer classes aren’t the only ones benefiting from the program—students gain important interpersonal skills and experience to prepare them for future careers.

Dr. Sam Hijazi, associate professor of information systems, integrated a service learning component into his information systems (ISYS 133) classes in the spring of 2009. Community computer classes started at Teatro de Artes, where students tutored community members in simple computer skills. The class experience helps to develop personal interactive skills through a high-impact learning activity, which is a key component to success in information systems according to Hijazi. “Knowledge of computer systems doesn’t have value apart from solving problems; it isn’t the machine that solves the problem, it is people. So, training students to interact and engage people with a problem and offering them the opportunity to solve this problem is an important part of what we do,” says Hijazi.

Rodrick Shao, TLU instructor and instructional technology support, was excited about the service learning component in Hijazi’s classes, but noticed that off-campus involvement with the community is fraught with roadblocks for students. “Because there is not always a professor available at off-site locations, sometimes students feel insecure. Then there are time conflicts and transportation issues,” explains Shao. “In an effort to alleviate these issues, I developed a pilot program for my information systems class in which community members were invited onto the TLU campus to participate in workshops with students.”

Shao incorporates six community workshops into his information systems classes—three using class time during the week and three on Saturdays. During classes, students are paired with community members on a one-to-one ratio. The subject matter is learner

directed and ranges from how to use a mouse to developing Excel spreadsheets. Shao is on hand to answer any questions that are outside of the student’s range of knowledge.

Tim Barr, director of the Center for Servant Leadership, has been helping professors connect with the community for service learning projects. “So many people are calling with questions in advance of coming to campus—they want to make sure that this is a real thing and that they don’t miss out,” says Barr. “So far the program has been wildly successful with between 15 and 20 participants per class!”

The student responses have been positive. “I like helping the community members,” says freshman accounting major Alexandria Trevino. “They were so happy to have someone to teach them basics, it was a nice feeling.” Anthony Madrigao, a freshman business major, enjoys the chance to connect, “When you work with an older person who has very little knowledge of technology but so many life experiences it is enriching to be able to contribute something to their lives.“

This information systems service learning project has hit a sweet spot for TLU and the community of Seguin. This is a satisfying outcome for Dr. Hijazi who is passionate about maintaining a human touch in the field of information systems. “We need the human side of the computer experience. We don’t want our jobs to be stolen by the machine. We want it to enhance what we do, not replace us."

Beth Beck-Dietert Senior Communication Studies major

Phot

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Pric

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TLU TODAy

A Family Legacy Lives OnFamily tradition is a concept all too

familiar around the holidays. For some it means a favorite recipe, for others a reunion filled with stories, memories and legacies. For the Pfennig family, Texas Lutheran is a large part of that legacy boasting six generations of TLU leaders and alumni. For the Pfennigs, TLU is a family tradition.

When Brittany Fischer arrived on campus this fall, she already had an idea of what to expect out of the TLU experience having heard the stories of traditions—and some pranks—her family members told over the years of their time at the Seguin campus.

“Growing up, I’d heard many times how great life was at TLU. For years, I thought it was the only college that existed. Quite frankly, in my opinion, for all intents and purposes, it is. I’d heard about the wonderful student population, but didn’t understand the full meaning until I visited this past June.”

Brittany may be the most recent member of the Pfennig clan to join the Bulldogs, but her family has been involved with Texas Lutheran since its humble beginnings in Brenham.

William Pfenning arrived in Brenham, Texas in 1871 after receiving an assignment to take over the pastoral work for a requested new congregation in the Texas Synod. On his journey, which would take him away from his homeland forever, he braved lurking French war ships on the ocean and traveled over “desolate, obscure and wild bush country” to reach his destination, according to an autobiographical account of his life. The pastor helped organize the congregation he was called to serve and taught at the congregation school. When Texas required public schools to be organized in the early 1870s, he obtained a state teaching certificate. He was called to several different congregations and traveled all over Texas for the next 25 years, until finally settling in Pflugerville with his family. During the years of 1890-

1891, there was a campaign for funds to build and support what would become Texas Lutheran College in Brenham, of which William would serve on the board. William and Marie’s sons John and Fred enrolled in Texas Lutheran College the first year it opened in 1891. At the time of his death, John was the oldest living member of the first class of TLC.

John and Hulda’s third child, Reuben, also attended Texas Lutheran College after its move to Seguin in 1912 and went on to attain his master’s in chemical

engineering. Reuben and Dorothy’s first son Don also attended TLC and married Carolyn. They had a daughter, Donna, who received a bachelor’s in communications from TLC. Her daughter, Brittany, is currently attending TLU.

While Brittany represents the sixth generation of Pfennigs at Texas Lutheran, fourth generation representative, Robert H. Pfennig, still enjoys reminiscing about the many days he spent at the Seguin campus. Not only did Robert H. attend TLC, but his father, Robert W. Pfennig,

Robert W. Pfennig with wife Laura when he retired as treasurer of the Southern District of The American Lutheran Church.


was an alumnus, professor of business and treasurer for the college—his father, Fred, was the second oldest of the Pfennig sons to enroll in the first class at the Brenham campus. “It’s all in the family tradition,” says Robert H.

From the old days of the Brenham campus, Robert H. recalls a story about some pranksters who ran a rope from the bell tower through the floorboards and would ring the bell to dismiss class whenever they pleased. Of course, some of the most memorable moments usually do involve some bit of trouble or pranks, but the camaraderie and lifelong bonds formed during those schemes are the real treasures. “Learn what you’re supposed to learn,” he advises, “but enjoy the years, too.”

Robert H. graduated from TLC in 1954 and his wife, Mary Ann (Leisering) graduated in 1955. After attending seminary, he served several Texas churches as pastor, retiring in 1997 in New Braunfels. Their daughter Sharon’s son, Michael Schroeder ‘11, is the most recent of the Pfennig family to graduate from TLU. Robert H. anticipates that another one of his descendents may be joining the Bulldogs for Texas Lutheran’s 100th year in Seguin.

Robert H. has seen great changes in the Seguin campus over the years, from his childhood in the professor housing, and then his own college years on campus.

“When I was growing up, the professors lived on campus,” explains Robert H. “We lived in a white house where Schuech is now. There were only about 300 students when we lived there, so it was a very close-knit community.”

As a student, he was on the track team and studied history and sociology. He lived on the east side of Old Main and remembers his group of friends with which he “established long-lasting relationships.” The most enduring, of course, would be with his wife.

At the Pfennig’s last reunion this September, Robert H. was able to connect with 30-40 of his kin. Another reunion, usually with a larger turnout, is for Pfluger descendents and takes place

in Pflugerville—the Pfennigs and Pflugers have relations dating back to the early Texas settlements of the first family immigrants.

Robert H. also looks forward to his Texas Lutheran family reunion with all of the faculty kids he grew up with. Since the last reunion took place about 10 years ago, he figures it’s about time for another one. “We’re not getting any younger,” he says, “better do it sooner rather than later.”

A lasting tradition for Texas Lutheran and a favorite for Robert H. is the annual Vespers concert. He’s been attending the annual Christmas performance before it was even called Vespers.

So once again the season for traditions and family has come around. Stories heard every year will be repeated and perhaps a few new ones will join the rotation. Brittany’s first semester experience at TLU was certainly interesting as she stepped onto campus with family folk tales and expectations. What she didn’t expect was to have her great-grandparents watching over her during her anatomy and physiology lab. It wasn’t until the second or third week of classes that Brittany noticed her lab room was named the Reuben and Dorothy Pfennig Lab and in the back of the room, right next to the door, hangs a photo of her great-grandparents. “I had to get up to do a double take and couldn’t stop staring at it for quite a while,” Brittany admits. “I

still can’t get over the fact that my great-grandparents ‘stare’ at me for three hours every week. Let me tell you, it’s quite the incentive to do my best in the class.”

So even as she’s away from her family, Brittany is surrounded by her TLU family, old and new and in spirit, as she carries on her family’s legacy.

Tell us about your TLU family tradition, email [email protected].

Brittany Fischer in her anatomy and physiology lab where her great-grandparents' portrait hangs.



Networking for the social NetworkNow that The Social Network has revealed

the scandalous beginnings of the beloved social media goliath, people are wondering if that playpen of an office shown in the film is really what it’s like to work at Facebook. “That’s actually a pretty accurate portrayal in the movie,” says Texas Lutheran University alumna and Facebook insider, Nicolet Magel ’04. From the uber-modern décor, to Texas-themed conference rooms at the Austin office to company-wide catered meals, on-site laundry and nonexistent dress code, Facebook epitomizes a relaxed work environment—not to mention skateboarding in the office. “It’s a pretty cool atmosphere for sure,” says Magel. “But we’re all very Type A personalities, so it has to be for us to coexist.” After all, isn’t coexistence and connectivity what Facebook is all about? Absolutely.

Magel has a pretty good handle on the Facebook mission—she practices it every day. For example, there are no restrictions or requirements of employees’ own Facebook profiles, but Magel chooses to keep hers public. “I think it’s good for my clients to see that I’m an avid traveler and Facebook user.” Magel is not only traveling all the time, it’s all she’s talking about as part of the sales team working exclusively with travel clients to create holistic social marketing strategies and educate brands on how to be “social by design” and supplement their efforts through highly targeted media buys.

As a student at TLU, Magel was a political science major with a minor in international relations and she studied abroad in London and participated in the Washington Semester program. While the traveling part ties into her current position, her lawyerly aspirations fizzled during some less than glamorous internships buried in paperwork. “You don’t really know what the day to day is like unless you’re actually in there monitoring people and getting your hands dirty,” admits Magel. But with that political background, Magel was able to land a gig at The Onion, the political

satire publication, in advertisement sales. Always on the lookout for changes in the industry, she noticed a fundamental shift in that clients were less interested in traditional print advertising and more interested in digital space. Right around the time she was imagining her ideal digital space media company, Facebook was opening its new office in Austin.

Employing some admirable networking skills, she reached out to one of her clients to get some information about their Facebook representative, she made the connection and was able to use the Facebook rep as a referral on her application to Facebook. “Get a lot of people under your belt,” she advises, “because you never know when you can leverage those connections in the future.”

“Networking is incredibly important in the job search process,” says Kimberly Watts, TLU director of career development. Just as vital seems to be the public social media persona—especially on Facebook. “It is sometimes difficult for students to switch gears and think about ‘professionalizing’ their online presence. Many things posted in a joking manner may not be perceived that way by potential employers.”

Even super hip companies like Facebook are looking to hire people who will fit into the culture of the company. “It’s a very open and transparent kind of culture,” Magel explains, “which was kind of already instilled in me from being a student at TLU. I felt encouraged to share and talk in class, have discussions and be really thoughtful. Most of the people who work here went to Ivy League schools, and I don’t feel in any way that I’m less educated than any of them because I do feel like TLU gave me a really great well-rounded education.”

Part of that education included the opportunity to study abroad and experience new cultures—one of the aspects of her job she still enjoys today. Since Facebook has offices all over the world, Magel is able to travel and still go into the office. St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin without having to take days off work? Check. Magel’s favorite work-

related excursion, however, takes place at the Palo Alto headquarters where every April, Facebook hosts its global sales conference for representatives to gather from offices all over the world. “It puts it all in perspective how one website has brought all these people together,” says Magel. “It’s very powerful and compelling to see the scope of what you’re doing. You hear about organ donations, adoptions, long lost siblings or parents and it makes it all worth it.”

While social media allows individuals to have a unique presence in the world, it also serves as a tool to connect people in a way that helps the individual grow and pursue their calling. Magel encourages job seekers to really understand the mission of the company they are hoping to join and use the product in the right way, but also think about how it can affect change on a personal level. To keep up with a fast-paced industry like social media, Magel suggests “taking risks, standing up for yourself and if you know you have a good idea, you should voice it. That’s one of the key skills that will introduce you to and allow you to have longevity in the industry and roll with the punches.”

TLU TODAy

For job search advice and online networking strategies, visit TLUCareers on Facebook.

Interested in a job at Facebook? Check out facebook.com/careers.

Mini-golfing at the Austin office.

http://facebook.com


Teaching and Technology Every school year seems to come with

something new—new policies, dress codes, teachers and technology. At South Belton Middle School (SBMS), the newest school in Belton Independent School District celebrating its inaugural year in 2011-2012, every student was greeted with a new iPad. The iPads are part of a one-to-one technology initiative in partnership with Apple.

TLU alumnus and self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Mark Durfee ’00, is an eighth grade U.S. History teacher at SBMS. He previously worked in corporate America before beginning his teaching career in 2006. After graduating from TLU, he received his MBA, a principal certification and is currently pursuing a master’s in U.S. History. “It’s been a learning curve for the entire campus because it is a new initiative,” explains Durfee. “It’s a whole new model of learning that the kids aren’t used to, that the teachers weren’t used to. For the most part, most of them were receptive and those who weren’t at first have since gotten on board.”

The entire structure of the school, from architecture to administration, reflects the pilot program. The halls are free of lockers, classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors and Wi-Fi, open meeting spaces welcome collaboration on group projects and the teachers are trained on the devices to effectively deliver a Challenge Based Learning (CBL) education. CBL allows students to solve problems with real-world applications using creativity, collaboration and the resources at hand, which Durfee believes should better prepare them for the new STAAR test that focuses on higher order thinking.

“Being a new campus, we have had to work especially hard laying a strong foundation so that our school culture is one that honors achievement and high expectations,” explains SBMS Principal Tammy Becker. “The teachers have been open to integrating the iPad with instruction and communication.

Our teachers and parents have been exceptional.”

Technology is not only streamlining the learning process, it’s providing teachers with an easier method for communicating lessons to students. Where the morning announcements before could take up to 15 minutes of class time, students can now receive them through an RSS feed. Teachers can share PowerPoint lectures and alleviate tedious note taking. The principal and teachers can share calendars with students and parents, notifying them of upcoming deadlines and projects and scheduling alerts for calendar items. And students no longer have to lug around heavy over-stuffed backpacks full of books and papers, eliminating the need for lockers.

All in all, it seems like the dream classroom for every teacher—but then there’s the question of how to keep middle-schoolers from surfing the web, emailing or playing games during class.

“Teachers at all levels need to be diligent about watching what their students are doing with electronic devices to prevent general surfing, gaming or emailing and texting,” warns Anna Bergstrom, TLU education instructor and director of the post-baccalaureate program. “It is a new responsibility that teachers have.”

So far, Durfee and his colleagues have

experienced little foul play, partly due to iPads rules and expectations posted in every classroom, and the consequence that students will have to complete their assignments the “old-fashioned way” using books.

As a history teacher, Durfee’s more concerned about his students finding the correct facts and using primary source documents. He encourages his students to become search engine saavy and recognize the quality of information available online.

Durfee, having spent part of his professional life in the corporate world, can attest to the importance of technology saavy in real-world jobs. “We’re eliminating a lot of the excuses and increasing the accountability,” Durfee says. “We really need to do a better job of getting these kids to realize they need to start being accountable back in middle school. That’s the push the district wants—to make them responsible for their own learning.” Students’ assignments are time-stamped when submitted by email, making it very difficult to turn in late work.

Another real-world application is how the new technology allows for teachers to get through lessons quicker and allows students to form groups and collaborate on projects and presentations. With professional quality multimedia presentations, these students will be ahead of the curve when they enter college and the job market, which is a significant opportunity since approximately two-thirds of the students at SBMS are economically disadvantaged.

Perhaps it’s because the students are so entranced by the iPads, but the halls are quiet during passing periods and lunch. And students are able to collaborate better on projects because the playing field has been leveled. “They’re not a discipline problem and they’re not bored,” says Durfee. “It’s definitely bringing up the level of all the students.”


GROWING & GIVING

TLu student Artists Featured: TLu Christmas GreetingsContinuing the tradition of bringing Christmas greetings on

behalf of the university and the President’s office, this year, two TLU students are featured in delivering this important message through art and music. The cover of the traditional card and the image on the beloved e-card are the artistic renderings of TLU junior, Canaan Hoffmann. The musical accompaniment for the e-card is arranged and performed by senior, Kenneth Mittelstadt.

In spring 2011, Hoffmann, an art major from New Braunfels, was commissioned to create a two dimensional art piece that captured the essence of Texas Lutheran for the Christmas card. Given artistic freedom, Canaan’s focus turned to the Chapel of the Abiding Presence. Noting that the chapel is typically featured from the front doors, he chose to paint the image from a student’s perspective. “The ASC is the hub of the campus with students coming in and out all day and night. We mostly use the same door, and it is this angle of the chapel that we see every day.” The painting is done in abstract cubism form and leads the viewer to reminisce on the chapel spire. The original painting will be hung in the President’s home on campus.

The carol “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” dates back to 1703 with words written by Nahum Tate, and the familiar melody composed by George Frederick Handel. The Christmas carol, describing the annunciation of the shepherds, was personally selected by President and Michelle Dorsey for this year’s card. Mittelstadt, a music major, was commissioned to arrange this piece utilizing his artistry of percussion. “Hymns do not typically transpose to percussion melody very well, which posed an interesting challenge for the arrangement of this piece. I have broken it into three sections that will familiarize the listener with the hymn through first thin textures, moving to a warmer Marimba feature and crescendo into a finale of all instruments used in the piece.”

Both Hoffmann and Mittelstadt plan to follow their passions far beyond their time at TLU. In addition to painting, Hoffmann works with all media and is especially interested in producing public art. Kenneth is accomplished at many instruments and styles including the Marimba, Rag-time Xylophone, percussion chamber music and the Mbira. He plans to continue his studies post undergraduate and seeks to teach at the collegiate level, establish his own percussion chamber group and join a local orchestra.

The art and music of the TLU Christmas e-card is availableat tlu.edu/christmascard.

Chapel painting by TLU student, Canaan Adam Hoffmann, 2011.Digitizing services ©2011 OpineArt

TORCH • DeCeMBer 2011 13Visit TLU Giving online and make a gift today at tlu.edu/giving.

The Kirby & sue Dahl Memorial scholarshipKirby Dahl and Sue Taylor met, fell in

love, married and started a family while they were students at Texas Lutheran College. Kirby graduated in 1967 with a degree in Business Administration and used the knowledge he gained at TLC to found Space City Machine & Tool in Houston, Texas, a business he owned and operated successfully for 38 years. As a student, Sue was noted in Who’s Who in American Colleges and after graduating from Texas Lutheran in 1968, she later pursued a doctoral degree in Psychology at the University of Houston. Eventually, Sue chose to work with Kirby at Space City. At TLC, Kirby was a member of Sigma Lamda Chi and Sue was the fraternity’s sweetheart. Kirby and Sue made and maintained many deep friendships at TLC. Sadly, they passed far too soon and only a few years apart.

Kirby and Sue had two children, Brian and Angel. As parents, Kirby and Sue demonstrated the value of education, hard work and friendship to their children every day. Brian and Angel know how important Texas Lutheran was to their parents—in all aspects of their lives—which prompted them to

establish a scholarship that will keep their parents’ memory alive while benefiting future TLU students. The Kirby and Sue Dahl Memorial Scholarship provides support to students majoring in Business Administration and serves as a lasting memorial in their honor.

Please contact the TLU Development Office at 830-372-8030 or [email protected] to establish an endowed scholarship.

President’s Associates Awards

The following recipients were awarded for their philanthropic efforts during the President’s Assiciates Recognition Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011.

2011 PHILANTHROPIST AWARD

The Greehey Family

Awarded to the donor who displays evidence of outstanding civic responsibility as demonstrated by contributions of generous financial resources to Texas Lutheran University.

2011 CORPORATION AWARD

CMC Steel Texas

Awarded to the Foundation or Corporation whose influence and generosity has served to enhance the heritage and uphold the mission of TLU.

2011 PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT AWARD

Dian Graves Owen Foundation

Awarded to the donor whose gift had a significant impact on TLU during the past fiscal year.

2011 PHILANTHROPIC HERITAGE AWARD

Pfluger Family

Awarded to the donor whose family giving over an extended period has made a special difference to TLU. The family’s service to the university is also considered.

2011 FACULTY PHILANTHROPIC APPRECIATION AWARD

Robert "Bob" & Florence Haugen

Awarded to a current or retired member of the college faculty or staff whose gifts advance the mission of Texas Lutheran University.

2011 CHURCH LEADERSHIP AWARD

Palm Valley Lutheran Church

Awarded to a Congregation or Organization whose influence and generosity has served to enhance the mutual ministry of the church and TLU.



SCOREBOARD

Keep up with Bulldog stats at tlubulldogs.com.

FootballThe Bulldogs posted a 5-5 overall record in 2011 and improved on its 2010 mark by one game. The Bulldogs went 4-4 in the American Southwest Conference and finished in a tie for fourth in nine-team league.

TLU won home games over Austin College and Howard Payne and road games against East Texas Baptist, Sul Ross State, and Mississippi College.

Junior quarterback Mitchell Bunger tossed 14 touchdowns and only five interceptions. He threw for 1,492 yards and rushed for 288. Sophomore running backs Dominique Hardaway and Charles Cooper each rushed for more than 400 yards and combined for 852 yards and nine rushing TDs.

Sophomore free safety Kyle McNally intercepted four passes and returned three for touchdowns. McNally also recorded 78 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Sophomore linebacker Bradley Snowden led TLU in total tackles, with 80. Sophomore defensive tackle Walter Barreda collected a team-best nine tackles despite missing two games.

The Bulldogs, coached by Danny Padron, registered the program’s first

non-losing season since 2006. Padron inherited an 0-10 squad and has posted 4-6 and 5-5 marks in his two years with the Bulldogs.

Women’s Cross Country

The Texas Lutheran Bulldogs finished second in the American Southwest Conference Women’s Cross Country Championships for a second straight year.

At the 2011 ASC Championships on the

TLU campus, the Bulldogs fell 11 points shy of the school’s fourth conference championship in women’s cross country.

TLU ran without its top runner, sophomore Keelin Treacy, who was injured. TLU also missed Brooke Basey, a top-seven runner that could not run due to injury.

The Bulldogs still mounted a strong challenge to Concordia for the conference crown. Freshman Tami Gensel led the TLU charge. Gensel completed the 6,000-meter course in 24:33.36 and made the ASC First Team All-Conference squad with a finish of fifth overall.

TLU’s Melissa Longoria and Ashley Meadows grabbed ASC Second Team All-Conference honors with finishes of eighth and ninth. Longoria collected a time of 24:54.50, and Meadows finished in 24:56.54.

Women’s VolleyballTexas Lutheran sophomore outside hitter Vanecia Spencer has been named the 2011 American Southwest Conference Women’s Volleyball Newcomer of the Year. Spencer also earned a spot on the All-Conference First Team.

Cain kicks way to records, recognition Record-setting Texas Lutheran kicker Allen Cain was named to the 2011-12 Capitol One Academic All-District 8 First Team for NCAA Division III colleges and universities.

Cain advanced to the national ballot with an opportunity to be a football Academic All-American.

Through voting among NCAA Division III sports information directors in the district, Cain secured the lone spot on the Academic All-District 8 Team reserved for a kicker.

Cain (San Antonio/Stevens) is a junior mathematics major with a minor in physics. He holds a grade point average of 3.59.

Cain currently leads all of NCAA Division III in field goals made, with 17. Cain’s 17 field goals this year set American Southwest Conference and TLU single-season records for field goals.

Cain is third among all NCAA Division III kickers in scoring (83 points), and he is third in total scoring in the conference.

Cain also tied the TLU record for longest field goal. He booted a 53-yarder against Mississippi College on Nov. 5. In that road victory over MC, Cain kicked a conference and school record five field goals.

For the season, Cain made 17 of 21 field goal attempts and was perfect on 32 of 32 point-after attempts.

Cain is a five-time winner of the American Southwest Conference’s Special Teams Player of the Week award, and he has been named to the D3football.com Team of the Week three times.

Cain is heavily involved in the TLU campus community. He is a math grader, a resident assistant, a Student Government Association senator, a TLU Honors Program member, a Math Club member, a Student-Athlete Advisory Council representative, a Seguin Youth Services math tutor, and a youth football coach. Cain has been named ASC Academic All-Conference and to the TLU Provost’s List.

http://d3football.com

http://tlubulldogs.com

Spencer led TLU to a third-place finish in the ASC West Division and to an ASC Championship Tournament berth. Spencer recorded team-highs in kills (345), kllls per set (3.14), total attacks (907), and hitting percentage (.241). She added 34 total blocks.

Spencer was joined on the All-Conference teams by five TLU teammates: Third Team selections Davina Hirst and Marcia Sagebiel and Honorable Mention selections Manda Martin, Sami Springfield, and Brooke Basey.

Hirst finished the year with 498 digs and an average of 4.93 digs per set. She also served eight aces. Sagebiel was second on the team in kills (250) and kills per game (2.19). She registered a team-best 68 blocks.

Martin, the team’s captain and starting setter, amassed 939 assists and averaged 8.24 assists per game. She served a team-best 31 aces and collected 273 digs.

Sophomore outside hitter Springfield posted 166 kills, 24 aces, and 242 digs. Senior outside hitter Basey finished with 141 kills, 10 aces, and 120 digs.

The Bulldogs, coached by Tiffany Davis, concluded the 2011 season with a 15-17 overall record and an 11-7 ASC West Division mark.

Women’s SoccerTexas Lutheran seniors Rachel Schafer and Sunny Valencia-Balanta each earned American Southwest Conference Women’s Soccer Third Team honors. Sophomore Jennifer Kopetic and junior

Sarah Black were named to the ASC Honorable Mention squad.

Schafer and Valencia-Balanta captained the 2011 TLU squad. Schafer, a defender, played and started in 17 matches and led the Bulldogs’ defensive efforts. She had one assist.

Valencia-Balanta, a forward, led the Bulldogs in scoring, with eight goals. She added an assist and finished the year with 17 total points.

Kopetic, a midfielder, played and started in all 18 matches, and she had an assist. Black, a defender, played and started in 17 matches and had two assists.

TLU closed out the 2011 season with an overall record of 5-13 and a conference mark of 5-8.

Men’s SoccerSenior defender Jide Olagbegi and freshman midfielder Rolando Martinez collected American Southwest Conference honors.

Olagbegi earned conference honors for the second straight season. After claiming a spot on the ASC First Team in 2010 as a forward, Olagbegi was named to the ASC Third Team in 2011 as a defender.

Olagbegi played in 15 of the Bulldogs’ 17 matches and made 13 starts. He scored two goals and had a game-winning goal.

Martinez was named to the ASC Honorable Mention Team. Martinez was the only Bulldog to play and start in all 17 matches. He took 20 total shots and had seven shots on goal.

The Bulldogs were 1-16 overall and 1-12 in the ASC during the 2011 season.

3 Interceptions returned for touchdowns in 2011 by safety Kyle McNally.

5 Place among all ASC runners for Tami Gensel at the 2011 conference championships.

10 Consecutive matches with double-digit kills for Vanecia Spencer to close out season.

17 Conference and TLU record number of field goals made in 2011 by junior Allen Cain.

53 Length in yards of Cain’s school record-tying field goal against Mississippi College.

389 Number of runners competing at the TLU hosted 2011 NCAA DIII South/Southeast Region Cross Country Championships.

Lucky Numbers


How did the idea for a student communications group come about?We have had in the past as many as three student publications at once. The students didn’t really seem to want to do a literary magazine, or any kind of magazine, or a yearbook. Whether we’re talking about wanting to produce it or whether we’re talking about wanting to consume it, there was very little interest in those products. And at the same time we had a need on campus that was not being fulfilled for communications assistance for departments and student organizations, and anyone else within the campus that wanted to do something that didn’t fall high on the strategic lens for the university. That worked together for me really well to both serve a need on campus and give them experience that they need.

How did you choose the students for the group?We wanted to be able to bring students who are studying practical kind of communication fields and the students studying business together—to work together, to learn from each other, to get pre-professional experience together. We needed someone whose primary responsibility is marketing strategy, someone who would work on strategy and production in social media and web. A graphic designer and an event planner, someone to be responsible for doing the research that has to come before any of this and somebody to stand at the center of it and coordinate it so it all gets done on time. We found really soon that there’s a big demand for graphic design. So we hired another designer. We also have a videographer/photographer.

How does it work?I make contact with someone who needs something in communications, a campaign or a product of some sort. I take it to the students and I ask what’s on their plate, can they handle another project given that this is when they want it. I want to have the team work so that they’re front loaded—they’re doing some thinking now for projects that they’ll work on in the spring, but I want them to do the majority of their work in the front half of the semester each time so that as we move

past midterm, they can taper off in the work that they’re doing for other people and focus on being really successful in their classes.

What has the first semester been like so far for the group?I’ve been really excited about the response of the campus. They’ve had projects from day one. I didn’t line too much up for them in advance, but I did line up a couple of people who I could explain to them we don’t know what we’re doing yet.

What do students get out of participating in the group?Students often have the idea that their teachers are not really telling them everything. What they get with this is something they get on an internship or if they go on the Washington semester—they get to work with real clients who have real needs and who have real ideas about how things should be done. They get the experience of working with someone whose opinion actually gets in the way of them finishing their project. Where they can’t really say, “Oh, that’s just my professor and she’s just telling me stuff from a textbook, it’s not real life.” Well, now it’s real life and I wanted them to have that real-life experience right here on campus. So that they can prepare for their pre-professional off-campus experiences. They’re getting to see their work around campus in posters and T-shirts. It’s really neat for them to see this concrete result of the work that they start in class.The people who were doing strategy did not really know why they had to do a plan. And I said you are doing a plan because the industry demands of you that you can, so you learn how to do it now. And then you are ready to serve clients and you can use this plan as something that you show potential clients or potential employers this is what I did and we carried it out. And they’ll even be able to talk about results, which I think is really cool.

What have been some of the lessons you’ve encountered so far?We have had some bumps, we’ve had some missed meetings, stuff we didn’t really know how to do. We’ve already got a bunch of

really happy clients. The students have already learned that when a client tells you that he really needs his product and anything you can do would be better than what he can do, that as soon as you show him something that meets that criteria, then the expectations go up. The trouble that we have most is with coordinating and getting it all done. I think ultimately, we need to learn to use digital tools to help us coordinate, so that people are putting the commitments that they make in a Google calendar themselves instead of having several people with their hands on it. We really have to work on the coordination aspect of it so everybody feels like they have the space to be creative, that they can put their ideas forward in the group and no matter whether we use them or not in the end, that they’re all a part of the process of getting to the best ideas to present to clients.

What are your future plans for the group?It is my hope to get them training opportunities so that they can grow beyond what they already know to do and to give them the opportunity to work for more than one year if they want to develop and deepen the skills that they start gaining in the classroom and with their student organizations.We hope that if it goes well and we get a good core group of students that we can count on training new ones, that we’ll be able to move from serving only the campus community, to serving nonprofits in our larger community. One thing I think we’ll do in the future is establish some guidelines about how much lead time we need. You can’t just say to a student, drop everything and do my poster, because that’s not what they’re here for. They’re here to get an education, so they have to have the time to do all their class work. We can’t do rush jobs, it’s just not what we can do. It’s fun, I’m enjoying it. It’s a lot of work. It’s really neat to be able to, with the one little corner of the university that I have some say, see something that’s a problem and redirect our energies so that we can be part of the solution. It feels scary in some ways because it’s new—it’s new for me, as well as the students and we have to learn, but it’s good to know that the community’s behind us.

FLAME Q&A

BULLDOG Campus CommunicationsQ&A wItH Robin Bisha Associate Professor, Communication Studies

Bulldog Campus Communications Advisor

TLU Salutes 2011 Award Honorees

Distinguished Alumni Award

Distinguished Church service Award

Distinguished Community service Award

Distinguished service Award

Young Alumni Award

Athletics Leadership Wall of Honor Class of 2011

Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2011

Letter from the President of the Alumni Board of Directors

Greetings Fellow Bulldogs!

My name is Tom Woods ’83, and I am excited to be the new President of the Texas Lutheran University Alumni Board. Over the course of the past year the Alumni Board has made great strides in defining our mission and purpose. This year, our primary objectives are twofold:

1. To help prepare current students for life as a TLU alum2. To garner support for TLU from alumni, increasing alumni participation

Throughout the year the Alumni Board is involved in numerous events from local happy hours to special regional events to Homecoming. The Alumni Board would like to engage YOU in the happenings on and off campus. You can host, help out, or simply attend an alumni event this year. And there are ways to be involved with students such as serving as a mentor or sharing your expertise in the classroom.

You can help create an even better experience for current and future students, for the faculty and for TLU as a whole through your time, your talents, and yes, your financial contributions. This year, the Alumni Board is on a mission to increase the percentage of alumni giving back to TLU. Last fiscal year, our alumni participation rate stood at only 13%.

Increasing alumni participation through giving will help in many ways:• Strong participation is a positive reflection of the university from its alumni. Corporations and foundations look at alumni

participation to determine its “worthiness” when seeking grants.• The greater the alumni participation, the stronger the base of support for current and future needs including scholarship,

technology, and day-to-day operations.• Strong alumni participation shows that we believe in the mission and vision of this great university and that we are proud to have

lived and learned here.

The Alumni Board is taking a hands-on approach this year to increase awareness about the importance of alumni giving and to raise the participation rate through peer-to-peer solicitation. Our goal is to raise alumni participation to 15% by fiscal year end, May 31, 2012. Remember, no gift is too small and when we give together the impact is significant!

We have all benefitted from the great education and time spent TLU. Please contact the Alumni Relations Office at [email protected] or 830-372-8030 to give or to get involved.

Go Bulldogs!

Tom Woods ’83

President, Alumni Board of Directors

Walter fuchs ’63

Jairo Alberto romero sandoval ’99

Garland James Kneten ’61

Tim Bogisch ’84

Dave sather ’89

Amber Kraft ’02

Brandi (Bradley) Holsonback ’97, volleyball, 1993-1996

Gerald “Jerry” Ellis ’76, football, 1972-1975

orlando Galvan ’00, Tennis, 1996-1999

Keith Lundquist ’92, Golf, 1989-1992

Kevin Webster ’01, Baseball, 1999-2001

David ’71 and Carolyn (Jackson) ’70 Newman



BulldogsReunite

You don’t have to wait for Homecoming to have a Bulldog reunion.Alumni get together in different cities throughout the year for dinners, entertainment and other events. Come reunite!

Dallas Cowboys game, August 2011.

Pappa’s in Houston, October 2011.

McAdoo’s in New Braunfels, September 2011.

Stone Werks in San Antonio, August 2011.

Visit tlu.edu/alumni for upcoming events in your area!

Homecoming 2011

Photos by Amy Gawlik.

H O M E C O M I N G

Wednesday, february 22, 2012 at 8 p.m.Majestic Theatre in san Antonio, Texas

Contact [email protected] to reserve your tickets. President & Michelle Dorsey will host a reception at the Palm restaurant (thepalm.com) at 6:30 p.m. TLu Dramatic Media professor Dave Legore will give a special presentation.

Come see Blue man groupwith your fellow bulldogs

Visit tlu.edu/alumni for more photos from Homecoming 2011.

Networking Mixer: February 16, 2012 6-9 p.m.Timmerman Room, Hein Dining Hall

Sign up now by contacting [email protected]

http://thepalm.com




ALUMNOTEs

2003 Patricia “Patsy” (Villarreal) ’03 was married to Darren Stelter in San Antonio, Texas on June 4, 2011. Gammas in attendance were maids of honor Heidi Haese and Dora Guerra, both ’03. Bridesmaids include Lisa Linville ’03, Kim (Strong) Dayal ’03, Holly (Lakota) Hicks ’03, Amy (Hartmann) Garner ’03, Courtney Bunte ’03, Dr. Cheri Finalle ’03, Lindsey Smith ’04, Megan (Henske) Perello ’04, and Angie (Fuchik) King ’04. The couple honeymooned in Whitehouse, Jamaica and will reside in San Antonio, Texas.

2006 Sarah (Benton) and Clayton Klesel, both ’06, married on July 9, 2011. Alumni in the wedding party included Cheri Wagner ’07, Jacob Campbell ’06, and Chris Russell ’07 as well as numerous alumni guests.


2007Jennifer “Jenny “ (Lillemon) ’07 married Kenton White recently. Included in the wedding party were Natalie Garza ’07, Patti Lambert ’07, Lisa Miller ’08, Briea DiMarco ’09, and Crista Shuman ’08.

2008Jennifer Thames ’08 and Gregory Hester of Houston, Texas were married at 2 p.m. on Sept. 10, 2011 in Bay City, Texas. Jennifer is a Speech and Debate Coach for Travis High School in FBISD and Gregory is a Project Engineer for the Paris-based company, Technip. The couple will reside in Katy, Texas. Jennifer was a member of Beta Alpha Sigma sorority and Secretary of Student Government for three years.

2010 Brandon and Chrystine (Cantu) Larrington, both ’10, were married on July 30, 2011 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Helotes, Texas. The wedding party included Carly Hansen ’10 and Andrew Serafina ’10 along with classmates Kelly Spears and Kelsey Hallford. They now live in Hattiesburg, Miss. where Brandon is attending medical school and Chrystine is attending graduate school both at William Carey University.


1999Rebecca (Reinhardt) Rautio ’99 along with her husband Kaarle and big sister Emmi joyfully welcomed Elsa Evaliina “Evi” Rautio into the world on July 15, 2011, weighing 7 pounds. The family resides in Sugar Land, Texas.

2001 Amie (Schill) Zombola ’01 and her husband Michael welcomed their baby boy, Pierse Angelo Zombola, into the world on April 11, 2011 in San Antonio, Texas. He joined big sister Bliss Carmela Zombola (born Sept. 9, 2009). Amie is a Senior Sales Director for Aspen Marketing Services, going on her 10th year with the company.

2007 Lindsey (Hahn) ’07 and Dustin Wyatt ’05 celebrated the birth of Remington Earl Wyatt on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. He arrived at 3:15 p.m. at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in New Braunfels, Texas. Remington weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21.5 inches long. He was warmly welcomed home by big brother Southern Jeffrey Wyatt, 2.

1960 Jerald Borgie ’60 was recently awarded a Doctor Honoris Causa in Theology by the Latvian Christian Academy in Jurmala, Latvia. Pastor Borgie continues in active ministry serving as Lead pastor at Penasquitos Lutheran Church in San Diego, Calif.

1971 Diane Herzik ’71 was recently honored by the Harris County Department of Education with the Exceptional Service Award for 2011. Diane is an adult education teacher in Katy, Texas who helps non-traditional students receive their GED. Diane is known for her high energy, enthusiasm and dedication to her students. She has over 25 years of teaching experience as a secondary teacher at Katy, Schulenburg, and Edgewood independent school districts, as well as several private schools post. Diane has spent the last five years of her career working with adult students to help them earn their GED.

1976 Glynn Bloomquist ’76 is CEO of Current Solutions LLC, a company recently recognized by the Austin Business Journal for being the 12th Fastest Growing Central Texas Company in the category over $10 million in sales. Current Solutions moved from Tampa, Fla. to Austin, Texas in 2009. The company provides distinctive, high-quality pain management products. The majority are electro therapy products primarily for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and electrical muscle stimulation treatments.

Dr. Samuel S. Henry ’76 was nominated by the River District Dental Society for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s Texas Dentist of the Year Award. Dr. Henry is one of only 21 dentists who were nominated for this year’s award. He has been in practice for 31 years in Seguin and has shown a commitment to advancing excellence in dentistry through activism in organized dentistry, dedication to continuing education and participation in charitable work and civic service.

ALUMNOTEs

We want to hear from you! Send your AlumNotes to [email protected].



1981 Michael B. Winn ’81 has been elected as Director-At-Large for the Election Officials for the International Association of Clerk’s Recorders Election Officials and Treasurers. As a member of IACREOT’s executive board, Michael will represent and oversee the program activities for the organization’s Election Officials for the calendar year 2012. Michael currently serves as the Assistant Director of Elections in the Travis County Clerk’s office.

1982 The Rev. Kristine (Franke) Hill ’82, pastor of Shepherd King Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas was awarded a Master of Sacred Theology degree in Old Testament and Homiletics on May 21, 2011 by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. The title of her thesis was “Telling Stories: A Bridge between Biblical Narrative and Contextual Preaching.” Kris lives in San Antonio with her husband, Don.

1983 Jackie Baker ’83 hit a coaching milestone recently as Navarro head volleyball coach when her Lady Panthers cruised past Stockdale in Geronimo. That victory marked 500 wins in Baker’s coaching career and 395 of those wins with her leading the team at Navarro.

1999 Dr. Marla Boehme Lear ’99 pictured with sister Tanya (Boehme) Anderson ’94 graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy in May and is currently working as a pharmacist with HEB.

2000 Mark Durfee ’00 was inducted into the Gold Key International Honor Society at American Public University while completing a M.A. in American History.

2004Taryn Montgomery ’04 was ordained into Word and Sacrament ministry in the ELCA on July 31, 2011, at her home congregation, Christ Lutheran in Monticello, Ill. She has been called to serve Bread of Life Lutheran Church in Minot, ND. Dr. Phil and Rev. Lori Ruge-Jones served as presiding minister and preacher. Other TLU alumni present for the ordination were Rev. Rachel and Matthew Ziese Hacker, both ’04, and Rev. Jason Chesnut ’05.

Amy Gawlik ’04 competed in the 2011 Iron Man Texas Triathlon on May 21 in the Woodlands, Texas. There to support her was Amanda Gawlik and Lacy Taylor, both ’09, Alison Organ ’07, and Laura Willman, Rachel Neely, Megan Minus, and Katie Brazzil, all ’06.

2005 Dustin M. Wyatt ’05 of New Braunfels, Texas earned his Master of Natural Resources Development from Texas A&M University in Dec. 2010 in College Station. Dustin coaches tennis and teaches science at Seguin High School, is married to his high school sweetheart Lindsey ’07, and is the proud father of Southern and Remington. He loves the outdoors and spends much of his free time fishing and hunting.


1935 Hiltrude Irene Gronewold ’35, resident of Waverly, Iowa, died Friday, Aug. 27, at Evergreen Arbor, Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community, Waverly. She attended high school and two years of college at Texas Lutheran, both in Seguin, Texas. She graduated from Wartburg College in 1937. She taught school in Toledo, Ohio, and received her library of science degree from the University of Illinois. She was an elementary school librarian in Manchester and a high school librarian and German teacher in Waverly.

1936Laura Lena Geiger ’36, resident of San Antonio, went home to be with her Lord on Aug. 31, 2011 at the age of 95. She grew up on the family dairy farm, but, in the early 1940s, the Geiger family left the farm and moved to San Antonio where they purchased a house together, supported one another in their pursuits of higher education and took care of their widowed mother. Laura dedicated her career to teaching first grade at David Barkley Elementary. During her career Laura received numerous awards for Teacher of the Year. After 49 years of teaching first grade she retired in 1986. Laura, who remained unmarried, devoted her life to teaching children, participating in numerous activities at St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was a member most of her adult life, caring for her mother and other family members, and volunteering in the community especially with St. Luke’s Hospital.

1938Wilma (Menn) Braun ’38, a member of a pioneer DeWitt County Texas family and resident of Seguin, died on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011 in Houston at 92 years of age. Wilma was a long time member of Zion Lutheran Church in Houston and a Life Member of the Presidents Associates of Texas Lutheran College.

1940Lucille Mary Barton ’40, longtime resident of Grand Prairie, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 in Arlington at the age of 90. Lucille was active in the United Methodist Women group at First United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie, the Grand Prairie Garden Club,

Soroptimist and Eastern Star. Her career as a nurse took her to work at Methodist Hospital in Dallas and Arlington Memorial Hospital, where she was head nurse of the neo-natal department. Later she worked with her husband at a family-owned business, M.U. Barton Co.

1941Clarice “Cele” Green ’41 was living in Binghamton, N.Y. at the time of her death. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was loved by many and touched many lives throughout her life.

1942Oscar Curtis Lindemann ’42, resident of Dallas, died in his sleep Aug. 15, 2011 after a six year battle with Parkinson’s disease and its complications. He was a fourth generation native Texan. He was commissioned in the U.S. Naval Service after completing the Officer Training Program at Northwestern University and Harvard. While he was in the Navy, he was assigned to anti-submarine duty in the Atlantic, North Sea, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Upon his discharge, he taught business subjects for four years at The University of Texas. In 1951, he accepted a position with Texas Bank and Trust Company in Dallas, where he remained until retirement in 1977. While at Texas Bank, he was elected to the presidency of the Texas Bankers Association and was an original member of the Board of Directors of Bank America Card Corp, which was the forerunner of the present day VISA. In addition, he organized a group to buy controlling interest in Texas Bank and Trust from W. W. Overton family and operated the bank until it was merged with the First City Bank of Houston. During his banking career, he served on multiple boards and committees, such as several terms as President of the Dallas Clearing House Association, Greater Dallas Council of Churches, the American Red Cross and State Fair Musicals. Oscar was a life-long Lutheran, having been a very active member of St. Martin’s Lutheran in Austin and Christ Lutheran in Dallas. He was a Sunday school teacher for many years, Council President, and the Chairman of the Investment Committee of the National Church Pension Fund. The family was very sports-minded, both individually and as a group: they played golf, tennis and hunted nationwide.

1943Lester C. Nelson ’43 of Seguin passed away on Aug. 30, 2011. He played the trumpet in college. He proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Lieutenant. He also served as a guard during the Nuremburg Trials and took Czechoslovakian prisoners from German Nazi Concentration Camps back to Czechoslovakia after World War II. He later served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserves. On June 14, 1947 he married Lois Moden. After the war, he worked at Randolph Air Force Base as Foreman of the Electric Shop for 30 years. Lester was a big supporter of the University of Texas where he was a “ticket taker” in Section 107 at Memorial Stadium for over 25 years. He was a member of Emanuel’s Lutheran Church as well as the American Legion, and he was a past member of the Board of Directors of the Mid-Texas Symphony. Lester enjoyed delivering meals for “Meals on Wheels”. Lester will be remembered as outgoing and friendly. Always having a positive attitude, he considered himself “lucky” his whole life. His favorite parting phrase was “I’m glad you got to see me.”

1949Owen David (Tooter) Ringness ’49, resident of Clifton, Texas, passed away July 17, 2011. He was a long time employee of Texas new Mexico Power Company, where he retired as Senior Vice President of Engineering. He enjoyed golf, travel, and being an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

1950Margie L. Cox ’50 of Waco was a graduate of Clifton College. She enjoyed being part of several Scandinavian groups, and delivering Meals on Wheels. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church of Waco.

1950 Robert (Bob) Harrison Haugen ’50 of Seguin, Texas passed away on Sept. 24, 2011. Bob proudly served his country during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps and later in the United States Air Force Reserves. Bob taught and coached at Ingleside for 10 years and later taught at Elm Creek School. He worked for the Development Department for Texas Lutheran University for 27 years. He was an avid supporter of the university and especially its athletic programs. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church for more than 50 years.

IN MEMORIAM


1952Gerald Lloyd Shanklin ’52 of Luling, Texas, formerly of Gonzales, Texas, passed away Friday, July 15, 2011, in New Braunfels. Gerald was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Luling, where he served as a lay speaker, Sunday school teacher, and a member of various committees for a great number of years. He lettered in football in both high school and college. After college graduation, Gerald served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Japan. He returned to Gonzales and became a teacher, coach and principal over a span of 20 years. He also taught in Shiner and Luling before retiring in 1984. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on the farm with his brother and best friend, Leonard, spending time with his family, and serving the Lord and his church family. Gerald was a loving father, papaw, and husband whose heart and soul radiated God’s love. He never met a stranger and he truly loved people. He was an inspiration to many and it just made you feel good to be around him.

1952 Arno Charles Meyer was a retired supervisor of the aircraft machine shop at Kelly Air Force Base. He served many leadership roles in the community including President of the Millheim Hall Association, scout leader for the Boy Scouts, coaching his churchj’s softball team, and serving on San Antonio’s Highland Terrqace Church Council. He also enjoyed being a member of the VFW, the Texas Sportsman Association, and the Horticulture Society.

1954 Margalene “Margie” Klattenhoff Haas ’54, Austin resident, suffered a stroke and heart attack on Oct. 1 and passed away Oct. 4, 2011 at the age of 78. She taught Elementary school for 37 years, the last 25 at Wooten in Austin. She was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church, SPJST, Friendship Club and more. Margie lived an active life the last 11 years at Parson’s House in Austin.

1954 JoAnn Lanelle Wehman McFarland ’54, resident of Pleasanton, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011. JoAnn worked at the Pleasanton First National Band and for Humble Oil and

Refining Company field office. She married Donald McFarland in 1952 and together they operated the Jourdanton Pharmacy and were active in church and community activities until Don passed away in 1997. In later years she was involved as a volunteer at South Texas Regional Medical Center, Senior Circle, Silver Haired Legislature, Emmaus, and church activities at St. John Lutheran Church. She adored her 12 grandchildren and was always ready to spend time with them or attend a recital or concert. She loved pets and loved to travel. Her bags were always packed just waiting for the next travel adventure. She was an optimistic person, always looking for the positive in situations and in people and always working to make life better for those around her.

1959 Patricia Ann Brasko ’59, resident of Stuttgart, Ark., went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011. Patricia worked for many years as a Loan Officer and her last job as a Medical Assistant. Patricia was a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church.

1968 James “Rusty” W. Rains ’68 passed away Aug. 21, 2011. He participated in baseball, football, and track while at TLU. He enjoyed living on his ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas.

1974 Helen Elizabeth Zielinski ’74, age 59, resident of Waco, Texas passed away on Aug. 27, 2011. She will be greatly missed.

1978 Dr. Lewis M. Purnell ’78, resident of San Antonio, died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 of complications from bone cancer at the age of 54. He thoroughly enjoyed his career in pediatrics and the interactions with all the kids. He wanted to open a freestanding children’s hospital that would be a teaching hospital. Purnell hoped to teach there as he got nearer to retirement. He was named to several best doctor lists, including Texas Monthly’s. His work with his patients and what they told him were the most important things to him. His children saw his bedside manner when they worked as his front desk assistants, and his daughter Elizabeth decided to follow in his medical footsteps and is in her second year of medical school.

1980 Gregory Etheridge Michaels ’80, a wonderful husband, and father, also friend to so many entered into rest on August 23, 2008 at the age of 53. He was a resident of San Antonio. Greg was a very dynamic and exciting individual with a big heart and even bigger smile. He was a CPA and worked 22 years at USAA later owning a Liberty Tax franchise. His passion was riding his bike in the Hill Country.

1980 Susan Bippert Aelvoet ’80 of La Coste, passed away Sept. 17, 2011 in San Antonio. She worked many years at Castroville State Bank, and also in civil service as an aircraft parts item manager at Kelly A.F.B. She was a church organist at Zion Lutheran Church. She enjoyed knitting, bird watching, photography, and loved to read.

1982 Clarence Andrew “Bubba” Wieland II ’82, resident of San Marcos, passed away Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 at the age of 51. He worked for McCoy’s Building Supply for 31 years. Bubba enjoyed fishing, music, playing the guitar, going to the farm and spending time with family and friends. Bubba never met a stranger, was a friend to all, and cherished those friendships.

1987 Ralph William Dunn ’87, age 47, resident of Cypress, Texas passed away on Oct. 28, 2011.

2002 Robert Flores III ’02, age 32, resident of Plumas Lake, Calif., passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011.

2009 Sidney Charles Johnson ’09, resident of San Antonio, died June 18, 2011. He played football and baseball throughout his school career, and played football at TLU. His interests included business administration and management.


Send your memories to [email protected] or 1000 W. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155.

Last issueShirley Kasper Hormuth '66 correctly guessed the occasion as the groundbreaking for Hahn Hall in 1967. She also identified Felix Hahn, Sr. in the center. Everett Simmons, DVM '66 named Martin Cole on the left. They both identified Dr. Lorence Feller on the right.

Lead the Way!These cheeleaders are leading much more than a cheer.

Do you know where this group is headed and who's leading the pack?

FLASH BACK

Ladysmith Black MambazoFriday, January 20, 2012

7:30 p.m.

Jackson Auditorium

Forty years of marrying the traditional sounds of South African and Christian gospel music make Ladysmith Black Mambazo a cultural icon.

Don't miss this one of a kind musical experience!



save the dateWinter CommencementDec. 17 at 3 p.m.Jackson Auditorium

MLK March to TLU & RemembranceJan. 16 at 12 p.m.Seguin & TLU campus

Art Exhibit: Monumental Ideas in Miniature Books IIJan. 19-Feb. 28Annetta Kraushaar Gallery

Ladysmith Black MambazoJan. 20 at 7:30 p.m.Jackson Auditorium

Networking MixerFeb. 16 at 6 p.m.Timmerman Room, Hein Dining Hall

Front Row with Verne Lundquist & Scott HamiltonFeb. 21Westin Galleria Houston

San Antonio Alumni & Friends The Blue Man Group at Majestic TheatreFeb. 22 at 8 p.m.

Study Abroad Photo Show OpeningMarch 1 at 3:30 p.m.ASC Fireside Lounge

Dramatic Media Production:MarisolMarch 2-4Jackson Auditorium

Day of the DogsMarch 3Seguin

TLU Band ConcertMarch 8 at 7:30 p.m.Jackson Auditorium

Art Exhibit: Brian Curling & Naomi NyeMarch 8-April 13Annetta Kraushaar Gallery

Choir TourMarch 22-25

For more events and event details, visit tlu.edu/happenings.

CHOIR TOUR 2012

Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m.Festival Hill, Round Top Music Institute, Festival Concert HallRound Top, Texas

Friday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.Sheepbarn at MansefeldtFredericksburg, Texas

saturday, March 24 at 4 p.m.St. Stephen’s Episcopal ChurchWimberley, Texas

Tuesday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.Texas Lutheran University, Chapel of the Abiding PresenceSeguin, Texas

TEXAS LUTH

ERAN

U

NIVERSITY

SUPPORTING TLU STUDENT-ATHLETES

COMING IN 2012

BULLDOG ATHLETIC

FUND

BULLDOG ATHLETIC

FUNDAnnouncing the Bulldog Athletic Fund developed to support Bulldog Athletics in the continued pursuit of excellence on

and off the field. Your gift provides vital resources for facilities, equipment, uniforms and much more.

TOrChT e x a s L u T h e r a n u n i v e r s i T y

1000 W. Court st. • seguin, Texas 78155-5978

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDSan Antonio, TXPermit No. 428

the magazine of texas lutheran university december 2011...

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